The system is operated at the surface using an electronic controller. This controller monitors and provides both current and historic data about tubing and casing pressures, shut-in and sales times, plunger fall time and flow rate. Based on these readings, the operator determines the time needed for the plunger to reach the bottom and/or the pressure needed for the plunger to lift the liquids to the surface.
The operator then uses the controller to activate the motor valve to open or close based on the time or pressure determination. As the motor valve closes, the flow of gas is stopped. The plunger, which resides at the surface in the lubricator, falls down the tubing through the gas and liquid. As it falls, liquids gather in a column above the plunger. At the same time, the well is shut in and starts to build energy. When the motor valve is re-opened, the plunger, which acts as a swab, is brought to the surface, lifting and removing liquids.
A magnetic sensor on the lubricator communicates to the controller that the plunger has arrived. The controller then activates a delay or after flow. The tubing is free of liquids, and any back pressure allows the well to produce at maximum flow. The operator determines how long to flow gas to the sales line based on how quickly fluids accumulate during this flow time. At the end of this period, the well is shut in again, and the plunger cycle repeats.
